We are continuing with our series this Sunday entitled “I'm a Believer” from the book of John. Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? Last week we talked about the fact that many believed in Christ because of the “signs”, the miracles that they received brought them into a place of belief; and the fact that many need to see a sign for them to believe, and the fact that you are blessed if you believe without receiving one.
This week, we are moving on to Ch.5 and examining the miracle that Jesus did at the pool called Bethesda. Around that pool were people who were blind and maimed and paralyzed, and every so often the Bible says that an angel troubled the water and the first one in would receive a healing.
And so, Jesus approached this man who was paralyzed and said to him; do you want to be made well? The man said to Jesus, I can't get down in the pool, there's no one there to help me and I've been waiting for 38 years.
John 5:8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”
This miracle pointed to Jesus as the Son of God, but the Pharisees reaction was fuelled by an unbelieving heart. Rather than wanting to see this man cured of his disease, they were more concerned about keeping the rules. So, they said to the man, who told you to take up your bed and walk? When they finally find Jesus, He presents a case for Himself as the Christ. He presents the witnesses: John the Baptist and His Father. He presents the work of His teaching and miracles as evidence. And He presents the proof of the Scripture…..but all to no avail. The Pharisees are bound by unbelief. To which Jesus presents this indictment: You (Pharisees) have no love in your hearts, you don’t seek the honour that comes from God, and you don’t have the Word abiding in you.
If we are to be true “believers” in Christ, we must have these things evidenced in our lives: love in our hearts for Jesus and others, the desire to honour God, and be abiding in the Word of God.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “The Case for Christ”
Blessings,
Kevin